Missing one or more teeth in your mouth is not just a cosmetic issue. If left untreated, it can disturb the overall functioning and balance of your oral cavity. Fortunately, advanced treatment options are available nowadays that replace missing teeth and restore their functions. If you have lost one or more teeth, our dentists can effectively replace them with fixed or removable partial dentures. They rely on other healthy teeth in the jaw for support. But the question is, how many teeth does a partial denture require? Read ahead to find out the answer.
What Are Partial Dentures?
Partial dentures are fixed or removable prosthetics that replace missing teeth within an arch. Unlike complete dentures that rely entirely on the support of the jawbone, they need healthy teeth for retention and stability.
Once they are fitted in your mouth, you can resume normal oral functions such as eating, biting, chewing, and speaking. They keep the adjacent healthy teeth in place and prevent them from shifting away from their position. Our dentists design natural-looking partial dentures that blend smoothly with the rest of your teeth, giving an attractive look to your smile.
How Many Healthy Teeth Do You Need To Have For A Partial Denture?
There is no set number of teeth that you need to have for a stable partial denture. The major thing is that you must have a few healthy teeth within an arch to support the denture. Partial dentures have an acrylic base that holds artificial teeth. The acrylic base is integrated with a metal framework that loops around the adjacent healthy teeth for additional retention. Having healthy, supportive teeth on either side of the missing space can provide the ideal structural stability for partial dentures.
However, if you are missing a few back teeth on one or both sides of an arch, we will modify the design of the partial denture for proper retention. In any case, our dentists will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your remaining teeth, gums, and jawbone to determine which type of partial denture will best meet your needs.
How To Prolong The Lifespan of Partial Dentures?
No matter which type of partial denture you get, it is crucial to clean and maintain it on a regular basis. The key factor is to maintain good oral hygiene practices to ensure that the remaining teeth in your mouth stay healthy. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss them to avoid plaque and tartar deposition.
If your denture is removable, wash it with a cleaning solution every night. You can also gently clean its surface with a soft-bristled brush and toothpaste. In case the denture becomes loose or hurts your soft tissues, visit our dental practice to get it repaired.
In conclusion, there is not a fixed number of healthy teeth that you need to secure a partial denture. For an expert opinion on dentures and other dental restorations, call Sair Dental Group at (832) 924-2666 today.